Product Description
Discover Italy

Ski off-piste, trek the Dolomites or shoot the rapids on the river Lao

Heed the command 'tutti a tavola!' and begin an epic journey around the Italian table

Thumb the latest fumetti or debate Fellini's finer points after you've read our Culture chapter

Compare classical columns with state-of-the-art structures from international architects

In This Guide:

Language, cookery and wine courses - you name it, our authors have checked it out

Book in and bed down at the best-value accommodation

Visit lonelyplanet.com for reviews, updates and traveler suggestions

Amazon.com Review
From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there, chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years and as a result, has the experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

Explore the riches of Italy with Lonely Planet's essential guide. Featuring a special color feature on Italian art and architecture, this book also contains insider's advice on the best pasta and gelati; skiing and trekking information, notes on history, culture and current politics; as well as practical food and accommodation suggestions for every budget. Delightful sidebars add insight into the culture, with details on everything from gladiators to mushroom picking. --Kathryn True

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 3.5 based on 33 reviews)

Italy, lonely planet

From all the countries I have been driving around after these books... this is the least informative.
I would not have bought it again.
October 28, 2008

Decent guide

I did a multiple country tour across Europe and I will preface my review with the disclaimer that I only ended up seeing Venice while I was in Italy so all my comment pertain to the Lonely Planet's section on this city.

The section on Venice was not as helpful as other Lonely Planet guides that I have had the pleasure of using with my travels. The maps, while accurate and useful for approximate locating, will need to supplemented with another map (either the Lonely Planet's or one purchased when you get there).

The hotel reviews were good, but I would also use the internet more as I found a nice cheap hotel not listed in their guide just walking through the city. Their review of the usefulness of the Venice Pass was also spot on - ie you will have to work hard and smart get your money's worth.

June 26, 2008

Good for trip prep., but not good when you're there

I bought this book before I went to Italy and planned to use it to guide me around. When I was there, I found the book is good for reading, but is not useful at all when you need to rely on it to go around. The very few maps in the book are very general and lack of details. You can't tell where you're and what you're looking at if you only have this book. I had to buy some other books there so that I don't miss the great things at the places I visited.
June 20, 2008

Lonely Planet Italy

Decent range of information, though some more specificity would be nice-especially in Venice. They had very little on accommodations or dining there.
March 18, 2008

Great Guide - Full of Good Information!

This book tells you everything you need to know about Italy. Anyone who is planning to visit Italy should read this before they go. It is full of good information and will help you to get the most from your trip.
February 18, 2008

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